On the Combat Stage.

Zhou Jingong's gaze was dark as he stared at Luo Xiu, a cold sneer forming in his heart. He had watched Luo Xiu's matches, so he admitted that Luo Xiu was indeed a standout among his peers. But to him, that was meaningless. The long-suppressed hatred burst forth, like a dam breaking. Today, I will ensure this young genius meets an untimely end right here! Luo Xiu… today I will take your damned life to appease Hong'er's spirit in heaven!

With that thought, Zhou Jingong lunged forward, striking first! His claw shot toward Luo Xiu's throat like an eagle's talon—a killing blow from the outset!

SLAP!

The next moment, a crisp slap snapped him back to reality.

Luo Xiu looked at him, his face devoid of emotion. "I've heard the Ninjutsu from your Sakura Country is quite interesting. Why don't you show me?"

Zhou Jingong gritted his teeth and immediately retreated. He was still reeling, unable to comprehend what had just happened. How could Luo Xiu's simple, direct slap even reach my face? Why couldn't I dodge it?

He took a deep breath, composed himself, and attacked again!

But Luo Xiu had no time to play with him; he was in a hurry to get back to his fishing. He had risen at dawn to bait his fishing spot with corn. If he didn't return soon, the bait would be eaten, and the fish would scatter. The regret would be immense.

Seeing Zhou Jingong's thunderous attack, Luo Xiu remained unfazed. In his eyes, Zhou Jingong's movements were as slow as an old turtle's.

Luo Xiu casually grabbed his collar, pulled him close for a few more slaps, then slammed him to the ground and began to beat him mercilessly.

Ever since coming down from the mountain, Luo Xiu had yet to meet a single opponent who could make him take a fight seriously. No matter who he fought, he never needed to use any real martial arts; simple slaps were always enough. He was strong, but he himself didn't know just how strong he truly was.

「A few minutes later.」

After a thorough beating, Zhou Jingong was kicked off the Combat Stage by Luo Xiu.

The entire stadium erupted in cheers, the roar as loud as thunder!

Luo Xiu stood alone on the stage, lingering like a triumphant hero. But he wasn't staying to bask in the crowd's adulation; he was afraid of the reporters, who were already lined up below the stage, waiting.

Luo Xiu wore a miserable expression. I wish I could sprout wings and fly away.

Still, what had to be faced, had to be faced.

As he stepped down, the first reporter to reach him asked, "Hello, Luo Xiu! What are your thoughts on today's opponent?"

Lin Xiyue, acting just like a real agent, quickly grabbed Luo Xiu and started pulling him away.

Luo Xiu shielded his face from the cameras. "Well, I think that gh—"

He stopped short. Beside him, Lin Xiyue trembled and gave him a sharp pinch, silently cursing his lack of a filter. This was a nationally broadcast interview!

Fortunately, Luo Xiu realized his mistake in an instant. Quick-witted as ever, he smoothly corrected himself, "That esteemed guest from the Sakura Country is very strong. He's a respectable opponent. I look forward to our next match."

The reporter's mouth twitched, and he gave Luo Xiu a bizarre look. Strong? He grabbed the guy by the collar and beat him senseless without giving him a chance to fight back! And he calls that respect? Slapping him across the face again and again?

"So, did you anticipate winning so easily before the match?"

"..."

Facing the reporters' sharp, tricky questions, Luo Xiu was on the verge of a breakdown. Yet he couldn't show it and had to maintain a smile the entire time. Fortunately, Zhang Yi descended like a fairy at that moment, whisking him away through a "secret passage."

After escaping the stadium, Luo Xiu looked at Zhang Yi gratefully. "I can't believe you knew about a secret passage like this."

Zhang Yi tilted her chin up proudly. "I used to hold concerts here, so I often used the secret passages."

Luo Xiu was surprised. "You hold concerts?"

Zhang Yi puffed her cheeks. "What, can't I?"

Luo Xiu scratched his head. "That's not what I meant. I just didn't realize... Are you a celebrity?"

Zhang Yi put on a sad expression. "Not a big one. I'm not famous at all. Besides, I'm still in school and haven't even officially debuted. I'm just a trainee."

Luo Xiu smiled. "Well, keep at it. I'm sure you'll be famous one day."

"I'll hold you to that," Zhang Yi replied with a playful smile. "By the way, Brother Luo Xiu, let's go get something to eat. You saved my life, and I haven't even thanked you properly."

"Uh... there's no need. Your dad has already helped me a lot."

"That won't do. My dad is my dad, and I'm me."

Just then, the roar of an engine interrupted them.

A stretch Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of them.

As Luo Xiu wondered who it could be, two familiar figures stepped out of the car.

It was his precious disciple, Ye Ningxue, and Elder Ye.

"Master, I just saw your match! You were so cool!" Ye Ningxue cried, running up happily to grab Luo Xiu's arm and shake it, her eyes full of adoration.

Zhang Yi discreetly sized up Ye Ningxue, her cheeks puffing slightly. Who is this person, acting so spoiled at her age?

Elder Ye walked straight over, his expression serious. "Luo Xiu, there is someone I think you need to meet."

Hearing this, Luo Xiu glanced at Zhang Yi. "I'm sorry, Miss Zhang. Something's come up. We'll have to eat another time."

"..."

「Inside the luxury car speeding down the road.」

Luo Xiu asked, "Who are you taking me to see?"

Elder Ye replied, "The sect leader of the Wind Blade Sect, Liu Dexuan."

Luo Xiu frowned at the name. He'd heard Guan Changyun mention the Wind Blade Sect before; it was Guan Changyun's former sect.

"Why do we need to meet the leader of the Wind Blade Sect?" Luo Xiu asked, confused.

Elder Ye didn't beat around the bush. "Because the Wind Blade Sect possesses a magical treasure. With its help, we should be able to find Chi Sha." He sighed softly. "As long as that Master of Penglai Giants, Chi Sha, remains at large, I cannot rest easy."

"The leader of the Wind Blade Sect just so happens to be in Henghai Provincial City right now, so I thought I'd go and try my luck."

Luo Xiu asked, "What kind of magical treasure is it?"

"The Point Blade Array," Elder Ye replied.

Luo Xiu's eyes flickered. He had read about such an artifact in ancient texts. It was said to be a treasure used by the Taoist celestial masters of old to hunt ghosts and demons. However, so much time had passed that these treasures were thought to be long lost.

"The problem is," Elder Ye continued, "Liu Dexuan is a very difficult man. In fact, I already went to see him, but I was turned away at the door." He gave a wry smile. "So, this time, you'll have to go in person."

...

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